Reds-Brewers Series Could Define Cincinnati’s Playoff Push
The Cincinnati Reds enter their upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers just half a game behind in the race for the final NL Wild Card spot. With the New York Mets struggling, Cincinnati’s playoff odds have climbed to 20.9% ahead of Friday’s opener.
However, the Reds can’t simply hope for the Mets to collapse. Facing the team with the best record in Major League Baseball — 76-44 Milwaukee, riding a 12-game winning streak — gives them a chance to prove they belong in postseason contention.
This is a statement series. Cincinnati has lost five of seven to Milwaukee this year, with three of those defeats decided by one run. While they erupted for 11 runs in one April matchup, they managed just 11 runs combined in the other six games. The Reds must find consistent offense to succeed.
Pitching matchups will feature Nick Martinez, Zach Littell, and Andrew Abbott for Cincinnati, while Milwaukee sends Quinn Priester and Jose Quintana later in the series. With all three Reds starters tending to pitch to contact, defense — particularly from the middle infield — will be crucial.
The Brewers have dominated this matchup recently, but the Reds have been close. Winning this series would not only keep Cincinnati in the playoff race but also help them shake off recent struggles against their division rival. If they’re serious about October baseball, now is the time to prove it.
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